Illinois State Police
News Release

Districts Statewide to Enforce Fatal 4 Traffic Violations

SPRINGFIELD – Law Enforcement officials are reminding motorists to take the necessary safety precautions to prevent senseless tragedies during the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend.

The Illinois State Police (ISP) will push for zero fatalities by enforcing the four most common traffic violations: speeding, DUI, seat belts, and distracted driving. Troopers will also be on heightened alert monitoring intelligence from the Statewide Terrorism Intelligence Center (STIC) for suspicious vehicles, special alerts, and criminal activity crossing state lines.

Labor Day marks the end of summer and beginning of the new school year and many young adults will be on the roads and also vulnerable to the temptation of drinking and driving.

“Every motorist should think twice before drinking and driving this Labor Day weekend”, said ISP Director Hiram Grau. “Law enforcement officers statewide will be enforcing the Fatal 4 traffic laws, and those motorists who choose to violate the traffic laws will face the consequences,” added Grau.

The most common offenses include speeding, DUI, and seatbelt violations. Last year, the ISP issued 2,536 tickets for speeding violations during the four-day holiday period from Friday through Monday. During the same time period, there were 69 DUI arrests; 740 seatbelt violations; and 40 distracted driver violations.

“Drivers who choose to violate the law face fines and possible jail time,” said ISP Operations Colonel Donald Buckley. “Since 2007, Troopers have been enforcing the Fatal 4 mission and have been striving to reduce the number of fatalities,” he said.

Officials added that Alcohol Counter Enforcement (ACE) patrols will be deployed supported by air speed details. Troopers will also be equipped with radar and LIDAR devices to monitor motorists exceeding the legal speed limit.

The ISP is responsible for the public safety of the citizens of Illinois and patrolling more than 20,000 miles of the state's highways.